Images(5)

Mold, Casting

Object number2022.81.1 a-c

Made by Simmons Foundry and Machine Company

Date1913

OriginMonongahela, PA

MediumWood; Varnish; Paint; Metal; Paper; Ink; Adhesive

Credit LineGift of George Simmons Jr. and Family

DescriptionThree-part bell mold comprised of bottom section, middle section, and top section. Hollow bell has wide sound bow that slopes gently upward to narrow waist; gently sloped shoulder curves upward to narrow crown with flat top head and hole at center; possibly missing top canons section. Exterior has glossy red-brown varnish. Some sections of the interior are painted black.DimensionsHeight x Diameter (a-c): 25.75 x 32.438 in. (65.4 x 82.4 cm)
Height x Diameter (a): 12 x 32.438 in. (30.5 x 82.4 cm)
Height x Diameter (b): 8.5 x 16.75 in. (21.6 x 42.5 cm)
Height x Diameter (c): 5.625 x 15.438 in. (14.3 x 39.2 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Partial off-white paper label taped to interior wall has handwritten text in black ink "Pro... / GEO.. / 606 Marn... / Monongahela, Pa. / 15063".

(b)
Off-white paper label taped to interior wall has handwritten text in black ink "Propert [sic] of / George W. Simmons / 606 Marne Ave / Monongahela, Pa / 15063".

(c)
Partial off-white paper label taped to interior ceiling has handwritten text in blue-black ink "George W. Simmons / 606 Marne Ave / M...ahela P..."
Historical NotesThis mold for a Liberty Bell replica was made by Simmons Foundry and Machine Company in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. The Simmons Foundry and Machine Shop was established by Simeon R. Simmons of Monongahela, Pennsylvania in the early 1900s. Commissioned by Pennsylvania Governor John K. Tener in 1913 to produce a replica of the Liberty Bell for the 50th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Foundry would cast the so called “Negro Liberty Bell” and gifted it to Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Philadelphia in November 1913. The original Bell from 1913 became a casualty of the metal scrap during World War I and melted down to make bullets for the U. S. Army. This mold was used by the Simmons Foundry to cast the Bell. In 1911, cousins of Simeon, Perry, and Frank Simmons founded the McPherson and Simmons Construction Company which today continues as McPherson, Simmons Brothers & Sons and specializes in the design or renovation of religious and institutional spaces.

Previous owner George W. Simmons

Related person John K. Tener (1863 - 1946)

Related person Simeon R. Simmons

Subjects